Wedding charms
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Yarrow
Common Names: Yarrow, Nosebleed, Milfoil
Name: Achillea millefollium
Parts Used: Leaves, stems, and flowers
Cultivation: Yarrow is a very hardy perennial. It likes moderately rich soil in full sun, and can often be found growing wild along the road.
Magickal Uses: Use yarrow in your wedding decorations to ensure your love
will last at least seven years. Carry yarrow to make people sit up and notice you. Yarrow tea improves psychic powers.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Like the ancient herbalists before him, Culpeper believed that Rosemary improved the memory:â?oIt helpeth a weak Memory, and quickeneth the senses. Its connection with remembrance made it a symbol of friendship, especially marriage. Bridal wreaths were decorated with Rosemary, and the herb often served as a wedding or New Year's gift.
The association between herbs and weddings is a very old and long one. In fact some of the original Wedding Bouquets consisted of nothing else but herbs, not herbs in the culinary sense, but spiritual herbs. Herbs that carried a meaning that would translate into the meaning of a wedding and partnership.
The idea of a flower girl or bridesmaid, for instance, came about not only to
make the bridal party larger or more flamboyant, but to help ward off bad spirits that may have interrupted the ceremony. The throwing (or strewing) of flowers and herbs signify this as their spiritual powers were said to be very powerful.
The choice of flowers or herbs for the wedding bouquet was (and still is an important one). In times past, gardens would not have been as extensive as they are now, so the choice would have been limited. This is where the message of certain flowers vary as thesame meaning is used on different flowers.
The Rose, for instance signifies love, yet the use of wild roses could also signify death or jealousy. The use of Pinks (carnations) could mean 'friendship', 'happiness' or 'virtue'. Ivy symbolises 'Bonds of love' (naturally). The same goes for Honeysuckle.
These days, the meaning of flowers doesn't play a strong part in wedding bouquets. Most brides and florists are more concerned with colour co-ordination and budget. Using herbs and/or herbal flowers as part of a wedding bouquet can be very special as they not only look enchanting but emit a beautiful fragrance as well.
:)
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